Multilevel modular converter with reduced device count for hybrid and electric vehicle

This paper presents a low cost multilevel modular switched capacitor dc-dc converter for high power and high voltage conversion ratio application with reduced device count. The switching devices number of the traditional multilevel modular switched capacitor dc-dc converter is increasing fast with the increase of conversion ratio. Large number of switching devices means more gate drive circuit, more complex and higher cost. The proposed circuit has low device number, low device voltage stress and current stress. The proposed circuit also inherits the modular structure, simple control, low conduction loss, high switching frequency operation capability, and soft switching features from the traditional multilevel modular switched capacitor dc-dc converter. Therefore, a high voltage conversion ratio switched capacitor dc-dc converter with low cost and simple structure can be built using the proposed circuit. Simulation results are provided to validate the operating principle and features of the circuit.